05 July 2013

FITBIT for Cars Offers Real-Time Auto Health Feedback

Startup Dash Labs is developing a car diagnostic tool that enables the driver to view real-time information about it’s performance. The on-board device plugs into the vehicle’s port (usually located beneath the steering wheel) and connects to a smartphone app.

Mashable reports that it tracks the car’s performance and can inform the driver when they’re speeding or pressing too hard on the brakes, even detecting problems with the engine before the engine light comes on. The device can also sense if the airbag has been deployed and be programmed to automatically notify an emergency contact.

Described as “Fitbit for cars,” the app acts in a similar way to the popular wearable tech, allowing drivers to assess the car’s performance and gauge wear and tear so they know when to take it in for repairs.

Dash has been tested on 300 different vehicle models in the U.S., Canada, France and elsewhere, collecting 15 million data points from drivers. You can sign up for the beta on Dash’s site.